/ Ultimate Car Rental Guide for Travelers

Ultimate Car Rental Guide for Travelers

Has it been some time since your last car rental?

Planning an upcoming trip? Let our comprehensive car rental guide assist you through the process of renting a vehicle, while offering valuable tips to save time and money along the way.

With a vast network of over 8,000 locations worldwide, exceptional customer service, and competitive rates, Enterprise is your ultimate solution for all your transportation needs.

Essential Requirements for Renting a Car

To rent a car from Enterprise, make sure you have the following:

  • A valid driver’s license. For international renters, an International Driving Permit (IDP) and/or passport may be necessary.
  • Meet the minimum age requirement for the specific area.
  • Present a credit card or debit card for payment and security purposes.

How to choose a rental car?

When deciding on a rental car, consider the following factors for your trip:

  • Number of passengers: If you’re traveling with multiple people or children, opt for a larger vehicle like a large SUV, minivan, or passenger van, which offer extra room and seating.
  • Parking: Take into account the size of the rental vehicle, especially if you’ll be traveling to areas with limited parking space.
  • Fuel economy: For cost-saving benefits, consider renting a fuel-efficient vehicle, particularly if your trip involves mostly city driving.
  • Length of trip: For long-distance travel, larger sedans and SUVs generally offer more comfort.
  • Road conditions: If your destination has snowy weather or challenging road conditions, an SUV might be the most suitable choice.
  • By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a rental car that best meets your specific needs and enhances your overall travel experience.

What will be the cost of renting a car?

The cost will be influenced by the following factors:

  • Car class: The type of car you choose to rent, such as economy, compact, midsize, full-size, SUV, etc.
  • Length of rental: The number of days you plan to rent the car.
  • Location: The rental rates may vary depending on the location where you’re renting the car.
  • Protection products and insurance: Optional insurance coverage or protection products you select to add to your rental agreement.
  • Driver’s age: If the primary driver is under 25 years old, there might be an additional fee.
  • Number of additional drivers: If you plan to add extra drivers to the rental agreement, there could be extra charges.
  • Additional products: Costs of optional extras like car seats, GPS navigation, etc.
  • Pre-pay fuel: If you choose to pre-pay for a full tank of fuel, there might be an additional cost.
  • Type of branch: Rental rates might differ between airport locations and neighborhood branches.
  • Refundable deposit: A refundable deposit collected at the time of rental, which will be returned when you return the car.

For the most accurate pricing, it’s recommended to start a reservation, as the total cost will be calculated based on your specific selections and rental details. This way, you can get a comprehensive understanding of the cost before finalizing the rental agreement.

Car Rental Discounts

Planning a weekend getaway? Enjoy fantastic everyday low rates with Enterprise car rentals. Before booking, make sure to check out our current car rental specials to take advantage of great discounts.

If you find yourself renting cars frequently, whether for business or leisure travel, we recommend enrolling in Enterprise Plus, our exclusive loyalty program. As a member, you’ll earn one point for every qualifying rental dollar spent at participating Enterprise locations worldwide. These points can be redeemed for free rental days*, offering you even more value.

Some additional benefits of Enterprise Plus include:

  • Points that never expire, provided you have at least one qualifying rental during every 3-year period.
  • No blackout dates, ensuring you have flexibility in using your rewards.
  • Members-only check-in at participating locations for a faster and more convenient experience.
  • Access to a dedicated phone number for expedited customer service.
  • Enjoy global recognition, earning points and elite status worldwide.
  • Please note that the free rental day covers the base rate (Time and Mileage) only.

For more information about the program and the various reward tiers available, visit our Enterprise Plus page. Unlock the full potential of your car rental experience with Enterprise Plus!

Why rent a car, not drive your own?

There are numerous benefits to renting a car instead of driving your own:

  • Preserve Your Car: By choosing to rent, you avoid adding extra miles to your own vehicle, reducing wear and tear and extending its lifespan.
  • Optimal Vehicle Size: Renting gives you the flexibility to select the perfect vehicle size for your trip. Whether you require a smaller car for city driving or a larger one for a family vacation, you have the ideal option.
  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: Rental cars are often newer models that offer better gas mileage, leading to potential savings on fuel expenses.
  • Peace of Mind: If your car is older or less dependable, renting a car can provide peace of mind, ensuring a smooth and worry-free drive during your journey.

In conclusion, renting a car provides convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the assurance of driving a well-maintained vehicle, making it a practical choice for various travel situations.

Should I rent a car? Why not use a ride hailing service?

Choosing between renting a car and using a ride-hailing service requires careful consideration. While ride-sharing is gaining popularity as a convenient transportation option, there are several factors to take into account:

  • Limited Availability: Ride-sharing vehicles may not always be readily available in outlying or remote areas, potentially making it challenging to find a ride when needed.
  • Cumulative Costs: The round-trip costs to and from each destination can accumulate quickly when using ride-hailing services, potentially making it less cost-effective, especially for multiple stops.
  • Surge Pricing: Prices for ride-hailing services often surge during peak times, such as evenings and weekends, which can lead to higher fares.
  • Waiting Times: Waiting for a ride-share car to arrive can be inconvenient, particularly if you have time-sensitive plans.

Renting a car offers various advantages, granting you the freedom to travel at your own pace and according to your schedule. Whether you need to go from point A to point B or make multiple stops, a rental car provides the flexibility to explore multiple locations comfortably.

The unexpected events

Handling unexpected situations while driving a rental car is crucial. Here’s what to do in various “what if” scenarios:

  • If you get into an accident:
  1. Find a safe spot to stop the vehicle.
  2. Call the local police to report the accident and obtain a police report.
  3. Contact the Enterprise branch from which you rented the car and provide details about the accident and any collision damage. If the branch is closed, call roadside assistance at +4.0722.397.855, available 24/7.
  • If you experience a flat tire: Call roadside assistance at +4.0722.397.855. The cost of changing a tire is covered if you purchased Roadside Assistance Protection.
  • If you scratch or dent the rental car:
  1. Notify Enterprise staff about the damage when you return the car.
  2. Depending on your personal auto insurance coverage and whether you selected any Enterprise Protection Products, you may or may not be responsible for paying for the repairs.

Being prepared and taking appropriate steps in these situations can help ensure your safety and prevent additional complications during your rental period. Don’t forget to review your rental agreement and insurance coverage to understand your responsibilities and options in case of any unforeseen events.

Additional Information

• Protection Products and Rental Car Insurance:

Enterprise provides various protection products, such as Personal Accident Insurance, Damage Waiver, and Roadside Assistance. You can choose to purchase these products during the car reservation process to ensure coverage in case of accidents, theft, and more.

• Extending the Length of Your Car Rental:

If you need to extend your rental period after picking up the car, kindly contact the branch where you rented the vehicle.

For customers who haven’t picked up the car yet but wish to modify their reservation, please visit our modifications page for assistance.

• Car Rental Cancellation:

If you need to cancel your car rental, you can do so by visiting our modifications page and providing your confirmation number. Please be aware that cancellation fees may apply for international car rental reservations. To learn more about our policy on changing or canceling a car rental, refer to our full policy.

• Pet Policy:

Enterprise permits pets in our rental vehicles. For detailed information, please refer to our comprehensive pet policy.

• Car Seats:

Child seats are available at most airport locations and select neighborhood branches. You can easily reserve car seats as part of the online booking process, eliminating the need to bring one on your flight or carry it through the airport.

For a comprehensive list of policies and further details, we invite you to visit our car rental FAQs page. Our aim is to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free rental experience with Enterprise.

Subscribe and receive a 25€ discount for your next booking!